DHS Rebuts 100 Democrats Over 28-Year-Old Austin ICE Shooting

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 24

More than 100 House Democrats demanded Wilber Rafael Garces Perez’s release after Sunday’s Austin shooting, prompting DHS to accuse lawmakers and media outlets of spreading false claims about his treatment and legal status.
DHS said the 28-year-old Venezuelan was treated at a hospital, remains in stable condition and is receiving round-the-clock care in ICE detention, rejecting claims that a bullet was left in his body, pain medication was denied or he slept on the floor.
The agency also disputed statements from Perez’s lawyer, saying he entered the U.S. illegally, had no valid work permit or protected status, and was already under a final removal order from an immigration judge.
Austin protests and Democratic criticism have intensified pressure on ICE, but DHS said it will not leave the city or slow enforcement while the shooting investigation continues.
Former acting ICE Director Jonathan Fahey said congressional demands for evidence and briefings are premature before DHS completes its review, casting the backlash as politically driven.